Mandarin Essential Oil

What is Mandarin Essential Oil?

Mandarin Essential Oil is one of the softest and most loved citrus oils. The scent is warming, sweet and fruity, and is often described as the most child-friendly citrus oil. The Latin name is Citrus Nobilis, and the oil is cold-pressed from the peel of the tangerine. The color is yellow to orange and the scent is round, soft and sweet, without the sharp undertone of lemon, for example.

This oil naturally contains a high percentage of limonene, in addition to smaller amounts of gamma-terpinene, alpha-pinene, myrcene, and methyl methylanthranilate. The latter molecule is responsible for the typically sweet, almost floral underlayer of mandarin that you don't find in other citrus oils.

Mandarin blends beautifully with other citrus oils such as sweet orange and bergamot, with floral oils such as lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang and neroli, and with woody oils such as sandalwood and cedarwood. It is a popular top note in gentle, calming blends, especially for children and sensitive people.

How is Mandarin Essential Oil made?

Mandarin Essential Oil is extracted by cold pressing. The tangerine peels are mechanically compressed, causing the oil glands in the peel to burst open and the essential oil to be released. Because no heat is involved, the natural aroma molecules are optimally preserved.

Unlike cold-pressed lemon, bergamot or lime, mandarin naturally contains hardly any furocoumarins. Therefore, mandarin, even in cold-pressed form, is not phototoxic. This is an exception within the citrus family and makes mandarin particularly versatile.

Benefits of Mandarin Essential Oil

Not phototoxic, not cold-pressed either
Unlike most other cold-pressed citrus oils, mandarin is naturally free of phototoxic furocoumarins. As a result, it can be worn on the skin during the day without any worries.

Calms the nervous system in case of overstimulation
The soft, sweet scent calms the nervous system. It is a popular oil for after a busy day, and is traditionally appreciated by highly sensitive people who are easily overstimulated.

Suitable for children
Mandarin is one of the gentlest essential oils and is often chosen for child-oriented blends, when properly diluted and only via diffuser or in very low doses on the skin.

Brings resilience and courage
The scent reminds of carefree, sunny moments and helps to release feelings of heaviness. Mandarin supports a sense of contentment and helps to be more resilient in life.

Promotes happiness and creativity
The warm, sweet scent stimulates a light and cheerful feeling, ideal for the study or studio.

How to use Mandarin Essential Oil?

When using on the skin, always dilute essential oil in a carrier oil or butter. For homemade care, we recommend a working dose of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Read the explanation below for more information. Suitable carriers are, for example, Jojoba Oil, Zoete Amandelolie of Shea Butter.

In a diffuser for relaxation
Put 4 to 6 drops in a aroma diffuser and bring a soft, calming atmosphere into your home. Combine with Lavender and chamomile for an evening blend for the bedroom.

In a day cream or body lotion
Because mandarin is not phototoxic, it can be safely incorporated into day care for a fresh, smooth aroma.

Inhalation in case of overstimulation
Put a drop on a tissue or in your hands and inhale the sweet scent deeply to instantly calm your nervous system.

In a soothing massage oil
Combine mandarin with lavender in a carrier oil for a relaxing evening massage.

In soap, shower gel or bath ritual
The soft scent is wonderful in rinse-off products and in a relaxing bath for yourself or for children (in very low doses and always in combination with a carrier oil or bath salts).

Difference with sweet orange

Mandarin and sweet orange look alike but each have its own character. Sweet orange is brighter, fresher and more playful. Mandarin is softer, rounder and has a calming effect that sweet orange does not. Both are non-phototoxic and suitable for day care. For an uplifting, fresher product, choose orange. For a softer, calming product, choose mandarin.

What is special about mandarin?

Mandarin is a sensitive fruit that must be picked carefully and by hand. It is therefore not surprising that the essential oil fits so well with the highly sensitive, easily overstimulated person. Mandarins have a rich tradition in Chinese, Indian and European herbal medicine. Through aromatherapy you can make use of the effect of this special fruit in an accessible way.

Tips for Using Mandarin Essential Oil

• Store the oil in a cool, dark place. Citrus oils are more susceptible to oxidation than other essential oils, and proper storage significantly extends their shelf life.
• Always close the bottle tightly after use. Contact with air can cause the oil to lose its fragrance and effect more quickly.
• Test on a small area of skin before using the oil for the first time, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Always work with grams and percentages, not drops. Droplets vary in size and make it difficult to stay within safe limits.

Points of attention and side effects

Mandarin Essential Oil is not phototoxic and can therefore be used for sunlight without restriction. However, it remains important to always use the oil diluted, never pure on the skin.

Our practical working dose: 1 percent
For homemade care, we recommend a dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Citrus oils naturally contain allergens such as limonene and linalool. When you combine multiple essential oils in one recipe, these allergens accumulate and you can quickly exceed the legal allergen limits. A working dose of 1 percent gives you the space to use multiple oils in one recipe without going over those limits.

For products that you rinse off, such as soap, shower gel or shampoo, longer maximums apply because the oil does not remain on the skin.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy without consultation with an expert. Keep out of reach of children. When in doubt or with sensitive skin, always test on a small area first and wait 24 hours before using it on larger areas.